February 23, 20063:33 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Exercise and Depression
The link between depression and exercise is common knowledge. Exercise is one of many steps that a person can take to relieve major symptoms of depression. In the case of clinical depression, help from a mental health professional should be sought before serious consequences occur. The following article discusses the link between exercise and the relief of depression:
“It is estimated that over 340 million people in the world suffer from depression. Half of all victims do not recognize the illness and therefore never seek help. Untreated, depression is the most common cause of suicide and the incidence is unfortunately, on the rise. The World Health Organization has estimated that by the year 2020 “depression will be the greatest burden of ill-health to people in the developing world, and severe depression will be the second largest cause of death and disability.”
“With these overwhelming statistics in mind, several questions arise. For starters what exactly is depression? We all have changes in mood from day to day, and we all have episodes in our life when we are sad for prolonged periods of time. Whether due to bereavement, unemployment, or even social isolation, when does too much sadness change from a natural occurrence to a serious disorder requiring help? And what are the causes of depression? Can we do anything to prevent them?”
Read Exercise and Depression
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February 20, 20061:01 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Thirty Minutes of Exercise Helps Relieve Major Depressive Symptoms
Lack of exercise can cause depression, anxiety and hypertension. A regular routine of exercise, perhaps a daily thirty-minute walk, will help to relieve symptoms of depression and stress. The following article discusses a study which validates this point:
“AUSTIN, Tex. Jan. 27 - Just a half hour on the treadmill was enough to provide a significant mood boost for patients with a major depressive disorder, according to a small study.
Compared with sitting quietly undisturbed for a half-hour, walking up to 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate for 30 minutes significantly improved patients’ vigor (P<0.01) and sense of well-being (P<0.01), reported John B. Bartholomew, Ph.D., of the exercise and sport psychology lab at the University of Texas here."
“Thirty Minutes of Exercise Helps Relieve Major Depressive Symptoms”
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February 15, 20062:00 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder
Taking the initiative to gently, caringly talk to a friend that has an Eating Disorder could be the greatest gift you ever give them. This article gives some great ideas about sharing your concerns with a friend or loved one that you believe has an eating disorder:
“Many people have friends with an eating disorder whom they would like to help. The tips below will increase the chance that your efforts to help will be seen by your friend as the caring gestures that they are meant to be. By following these guidelines, you increase the chances that your desire to help your friend will lead to real change in his or her life. And you are more likely to preserve the friendship and your own balance in the process.”
Read “How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder”
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February 9, 20067:50 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Bullying in the NHS
This thorough article discusses the emotional intricacies of bullying. Written for the Christian Medical Fellowship of the United Kingdom, this article can also be applied to a wide range of other workplace scenarios where bullying is prevalent:
“Bullying is abuse through the misuse of power; and is alive and well in the NHS. Supervision and mentoring are meant to be formative, but can be destructive when they demean abilities and undermine self-esteem. When we are bullied we should carefully record the facts; determine whether the criticism was unjust, and confront the bully, perhaps with a supportive third party, in a civil and polite way. If an apology and change in behavior is not forthcoming; then it may be necessary to proceed to a formal complaint. Whatever happens everything should be approached in an attitude of prayer, forgiveness and love.”
Read Bullying in the NHS
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February 3, 20066:20 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Read Many workers feel bullied by their bosses
The following article discusses bullying in the workplace and the ensuing extreme emotional distress that can follow. The fact is that many people that have suffered from such negative relationships have found themselves feeling down, depressed and, as one woman reports in the below article, suicidal:
“OAKLAND, California (CNN) — Not all bullies can be found on school playgrounds. Some have grown up and gotten jobs, according to a campaign to end workplace bullying.
Darla Webster has prizes and awards to back up her claim of being a good waitress. But her stock fell rapidly when a new manager took over the restaurant. “The first thing out of his mouth was, ‘Well, I got rid of all the old ones at the last place,’ ” recalled Webster. She said the manager couldn’t just fire her, so he made her life miserable. Darla Webster has prizes and awards to back up her claim of being a good waitress.”
Read Many workers feel bullied by their bosses
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